March 10, 2026
SRHIN Advances Noma Awareness and Prevention in Northern Nigeria Through Community Outreach in Borno and Kano
- Islamiat Mukthar
The Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN) has continued to strengthen community health education through targeted outreach and awareness programs on Noma disease and cleft palate across two states in Northern Nigeria, with support from ZeroNoma.
As part of its commitment to reducing the burden of Noma and promoting early health-seeking behaviour, SRHIN implemented a series of community-based interventions focused on prevention, early detection, and caregiver education. These activities were designed to address widespread knowledge gaps, dispel misconceptions, and empower families with practical health information.
The first outreach was conducted on 7th February 2025 in London Chiki Community, Maiduguri, Borno State. Community members participated in health education sessions that focused on the causes, symptoms, and prevention of Noma, as well as the importance of proper nutrition, good oral hygiene, and timely medical care. Interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions enabled participants to engage actively and clarify concerns related to child health.
Building on this engagement, SRHIN organized a second awareness program on 10th February 2026 in Madobi community, Kano State. The session targeted 50 women, including mothers and caregivers, and focused on Noma and cleft palate. Facilitated by Farida Zahradeen, the program addressed common misconceptions, highlighted the differences between both conditions, and emphasized the role of routine immunization in preventing infections that increase vulnerability to Noma.
Participants were educated on key prevention strategies, including exclusive breastfeeding, balanced nutrition, environmental sanitation, early treatment of mouth sores, and prompt response to childhood illnesses. Special attention was given to the importance of completing children’s immunization schedules as a critical measure for strengthening immunity and reducing disease-related complications.
Across both outreach locations, participants demonstrated high levels of engagement and interest in adopting recommended health practices. Many caregivers expressed increased confidence in recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical support for their children. The sessions also revealed persistent misinformation within communities, reinforcing the need for sustained education and follow-up interventions.
Based on observations from the field, SRHIN has identified priority areas for future programming, including continuous awareness campaigns, strengthened immunization outreach, expanded nutrition education, improved early referral systems, and closer collaboration with local health workers and community leaders. These strategies are expected to enhance long-term impact and support sustainable behaviour change.
SRHIN expresses sincere appreciation to ZeroNoma for its financial and technical support, which made these interventions possible. The organization also acknowledges the contributions of community leaders, volunteers, and frontline health workers who supported the successful implementation of the programs.
Through these outreach activities, SRHIN continues to demonstrate its commitment to community-driven health promotion and the protection of vulnerable children from preventable diseases. The organization remains dedicated to expanding access to accurate health information and strengthening community resilience across underserved regions.